Method and apparatus for applying bottled liquid

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for applying bottled liquid is described herein. The present invention contains a liquid applicator that, when not in use, is located with the container. The applicator cap can be attached in such a way to allow both usage and storage of the device, without additional caps.

This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 60/555,561, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING BOTTLED LIQUID, filed Mar. 23, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.

I. BACKGROUND OF THE ART

The cooking of food is not only a necessary requirement but also an enjoyable pastime for many people. The pleasure of cooking not only involves the process of selecting the core ingredients but also of assembling these ingredients in such a way to produce flavors that are enjoyable. The use of spices and flavored liquids in cooking has long been practiced and now, more than ever, consumers are being provided a whole range of bottled products that can be used to incorporate flavor into their cooking. These products include such things as barbeque sauce, salad dressings (which can be used to flavor meats), liquefied butter and margarine products, flavored olive oils, and other marinating liquids.

While these products are widely available and used, they are often very messy to apply, resulting in the need for significant cleanup, which reduces the enjoyment of using these products. The process of basting meat as it cooks, whether it be ribs on a barbeque or a turkey in the oven, traditionally involves brushing various products onto the surface of the meat periodically throughout the cooking process. This entails pouring the marinade of choice into another container, such as a bowl, then using a brush to brush that material onto the surface of the meat during the cooking process. This is all being done while trying to ensure that the now dirty brush does not fall to the ground or get set on a counter. After the process is completed, both the brush and the bowl need to be washed, resulting in additional work to the cook.

The present invention provides a means for brushing or applying marinades and sauces directly from their containers to the meat without having to pour the product into another container. Moreover, for companies that manufacture marinades and sauces that are intended solely for purposes of being brushed onto the surface of meats during cooking, it is advisable to have a package that incorporates a brush or other applicator so that the user is not obligated to buy a separate applicator brush in order to use the product.

The present invention provides an integrated applicator which can be used in association with a bottled marinade and can be provided either by the manufacturer or as an add-on device, which allows for the transfer of material directly from the container through the integrated brush and on to the meat. By using this system, there is less mess and no need to purchase an additional brush in order to marinate foods properly. Moreover, this device can allow for a wide variety of applicators depending on the nature of the material being applied. Products that are brushed on can be provided with an integrated brush - products that are injected into the meat can be provided with a needle. The applicator portion of the device is removable so that it can be washed to prevent contamination of the remaining material in the container.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to the art of product packaging and specifically to packaging which provides an inbuilt applicator that facilitates delivery of the bottled material during use.

B. Summary of the Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a liquid container includes a body, a bottom, a sidewall, a pour opening, the pour opening having at least one threaded portion, an applicator cap, the applicator cap comprising a flow tube, a first threaded portion, a second threaded portion, and a brush, the flow tube having a tip that extends into the brush.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the pour opening is a neck.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the neck is threaded internally.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are on opposite ends of the flow tube.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first threaded portion is threaded in the opposite direction of the second threaded portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes a liquid applicator, a first attachment device, and a second attachment device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a flow tube, the flow tube having a tip that extends into the liquid applicator, and the first and second attachment devices are on opposite ends of the flow tube.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, at least one of the attachment devices is threaded.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the liquid applicator is a brush.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the liquid applicator is an injector.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a cap, the cap having a receptacle for receiving the flow tube.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a liquid container having a body, sidewalls, a neck, and a bottom, the neck having a threaded portion adapted to receive at least one of the attachment devices.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the second attachment device is threaded in the opposite direction of the first attachment device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the threaded portion of the neck is inside the neck.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for utilizing a liquid applicator, wherein the liquid applicator is contained within a closed liquid container, the container having a bottom, sidewalls, a neck, and a cap, the method comprising the steps of removing the cap from the container, removing the liquid applicator from the container, rotating the liquid applicator approximately 90° about a horizontal axis, and attaching the liquid applicator to the container.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of removing the flow tube from a receptacle in the cap.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of unscrewing the liquid applicator from the container, wherein the liquid applicator is a brush.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of screwing the brush to the container.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of unscrewing the liquid applicator from the container, wherein the liquid applicator is a syringe.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of screwing the syringe to the container.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, at least one embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the device showing the applicator in its stored or unused position;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device with its applicator in the active position;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the applicator cap showing the product flow tube;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device showing another embodiment of the applicator in its stored or unused position;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device showing another embodiment with its applicator in the active position;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device showing another embodiment of the applicator in its stored or unused position;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the device showing another embodiment with its applicator in the active position;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the device showing another embodiment of the applicator in its stored or unused position; and,

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the device showing another embodiment with its applicator in the active position.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating at least one embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-4 show a device 10, container 12, liquid 14, cap 16, first threaded portion 18, second threaded portion 20, flow tube 22, brush 24, tip 26, neck 28, bottom 34, side wall 36, and applicator cap 38. The container 12 has a bottom 34, a sidewall 36, and a top (shown, but not referenced). The container 12 encloses an associated viscous liquid 14 such as ketchup or barbeque sauce, but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the container 12 is constructed from a material which provides for flexibility of the sidewall 36 so that the container 12 can be squeezed, thereby forcing its contents through the flow tube 22, towards the brush 24. Although flexibility of the container 12 is one embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that less viscous contents will not necessarily require a flexible container 12 in order to flow toward the top of the container 12. In this respect, the container 12 could be made of any material, as long as chosen using sound engineering judgment, including glass, rigid plastic, or other similar food-safe materials.

In this embodiment, the container 12 has threads (not shown) along the inner surface of the neck 28, which provide a means of attachment of the cap 16 to the container 12. While threading is one means of providing a connection between the container 12 and the applicator cap 38, it is recognized that other means of creating this connection may be selected, as long as chosen using sound engineering judgment. As shown in FIG. 1, the applicator cap 38 is affixed to the top of the container 12. The applicator cap 38 may be comprised the cap 16, flow tube 22, first and second threaded portions 18, 20, and the brush.

The applicator cap 38 has a hole through which the product flow tube 22 is allowed to pass. The product flow tube 22 extends through the hole so as to transverse the space below the cap 16 and above the cap 16. The product flow tube 22 is fixedly attached to the cap 16 by any means selected by sound engineering judgment. The product flow tube 22 has a first end (shown, but not referenced) and a tip 26. At the tip 26 of the product flow tube 22, there is a provided a brush 24. In this embodiment, the brush 24 is composed of fibers of a man-made material, though any fibers may be selected using sound engineering judgment. The fibers are grouped at one end with a hoop (not shown), which allows for securing the many fibers of the brush 24 together so that fibers are not released during use of the device 10. With the exception of the brush 24, all components of the applicator cap 38 are comprised of plastic or such other food-safe material, though any material, including metal, may be used, as long as chosen using sound engineering judgment.

FIG. 1 demonstrates the device 10 in its closed position. In the closed position, the brush 24 is inverted and placed through the opening in the top of the container 12 and the cap 16 is twisted onto the top of the container 12. In this way, the liquid 14 in the container 12 cannot leak out of the container 12.

FIG. 2 shows the device 10 in its active position. To use the device 10, the cap 16 is unscrewed from the container 12 and elevated from the container 12 so as to release the brush 24 from the confines of the container 12. The brush 24 is then rotated approximately 90 degrees about a horizontal axis, and the second threaded portion 20 is screwed onto the container 12. By having the applicator cap 38 in this position, the liquid 14 in the container 12 is allowed to flow through the first end of the product flow tube 22 and out the tip 26 into the fibers of the brush 24 where it can be brushed onto a variety of items such as meat, vegetables, pastries, and the like. When the liquid 14 has been applied, the threaded portion 20 can be unscrewed from the container 12 and inverted so that the brush 24 is facing downward and can be inserted back into the container 12. The cap 16 is then screwed back onto the container, thus, confining the brush 24 within the container 12.

It is intended that this device would have its broadest use in food preparation where basting of food with product such as barbeque sauce, butter, salad dressing, and the like is common. In this respect, it should be understood that the applicator cap 38 may be constructed so as to be an aftermarket device that can be used in association with store-bought containers of barbeque sauce and other similar products. Generally, such store-bought containers have tops of a standard size so that the bottom portion of the cap 16 can be made of a standard size to fit these containers. It is noted at this point that the subject invention is discussed in the context for use with food preparation. However, it is noted here that the subject invention may also be used in other environments not related to food preparation, such as cleansing of various surfaces and the like.

It should also be understood that safety concerns may dictate the ability to wash the applicator cap 38 prior to placing it back into the container 12. In practice, the device 10 as explained above does provide for the applicator cap 38 to be removed from the container 12 and washed separately. However, it should be understood that, alternatively, the brush 24 may be made removable from the tip 26 of the flow tube 22 so as to be washed apart from the remaining components of the applicator cap 38. Moreover, the combination of the brush 24 and product flow tube 22 may be made removeably attachable to the cap 16 so that these components may be washed separately.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-5, another embodiment of the device 10′ is shown. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the device 10′ is shown with a syringe 30 and syringe tip 32. The operation of device 10′ is substantially similar to device 10, and that description is incorporated herein by reference. The syringe 30 allows the liquid 14 to be injected directly from the container 12 into an associated item, such as meat. The syringe 30 can also be used to baste the meat.

With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, another embodiment of the invention is shown. The applicator cap 38″ has a base plate 42, to which the flow tube 22 is connected. The cap 16 has a third threaded portion that attaches to the neck 28 of the container 12. In this embodiment, the operation is as follows: the cap 16 is removed from the container 12, then the base plate 42, flow tube 22, and brush 24 are removed from the container 12. The base plate 42, flow tube 22, and brush 24 are then rotated approximately 90 degrees about a horizontal axis, and the base plate 42 is placed against the top of the container 12. The cap 16, which is this embodiment has an opening (not shown) in it, is then placed over the base plate 42 and screwed back onto the container 12. It is to be understood that this embodiment would also be applicable to the use of a syringe instead of the brush, or any other liquid applicator, as long as chosen using sound engineering judgment.

With reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9, another embodiment of the invention is shown. The cap 16 has a third threaded portion 40 and a fourth threaded portion 44, with the third threaded portion being on the bottom of the cap 16, and the fourth threaded portion 44 being on the top of the cap 16. The flow tube 22 is attached to the inside of the cap 16, and the brush 24 is attached to the flow tube 22. The cap 16 is unscrewed from the container 12 and the flow tube 22 and brush 24 are removed from the container 12. The flow tube 22 and brush 24 are then rotated approximately 90 degrees about a horizontal axis, with the cap 16 being rotated as well. The cap 16, using fourth threaded portion 44 is then screwed onto the container 12. It is to be understood that this embodiment would also be applicable to the use of a syringe instead of the brush, or any other liquid applicator, as long as chosen using sound engineering judgment.

Finally, it will be noted that while one embodiment is a brush, other applicator tools may be used in association with this device such as a syringe to allow for injecting meat with bottled contents. Moreover the brush may be composed of foam or any other material which allows for transport of the material from the second end of the product flow tube to the surface of the applicator brush.

It is to be understood that, although, the above embodiments of the invention are disclosed using threaded portions for connections, that any means of connecting the cap and the container can be used, as long as chosen using sound engineering judgment.

At least one embodiment has been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed: 

1. A liquid container comprising: a body; a bottom; a sidewall; a pour opening, the pour opening having at least one threaded portion; an applicator cap, the applicator cap comprising: a flow tube; a first threaded portion; a second threaded portion; and, a brush, the flow tube having a tip that extends into the brush.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the pour opening is a neck.
 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the neck is threaded internally.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are on opposite ends of the flow tube.
 5. The container of claim 4, wherein the first threaded portion is threaded in the opposite direction of the second threaded portion.
 6. An apparatus comprising: a liquid applicator; a first attachment device; and, a second attachment device.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the apparatus further comprises: a flow tube, the flow tube having a tip that extends into the liquid applicator; and, the first and second attachment devices are on opposite ends of the flow tube.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein at least one of the attachment devices is threaded.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the liquid applicator is a brush.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the liquid applicator is an injector.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus further comprises: a cap, the cap having a receptacle for receiving the flow tube.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus further comprises: a liquid container having a body, sidewalls, a neck, and a bottom, the neck having a threaded portion adapted to receive at least one of the attachment devices.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second attachment device is threaded in the opposite direction of the first attachment device.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the threaded portion of the neck is inside the neck.
 15. A method for utilizing a liquid applicator, wherein the liquid applicator is contained within a closed liquid container, the container having a bottom, sidewalls, a neck, and a cap, the method comprising the steps of: removing the cap from the container; removing the liquid applicator from the container; rotating the liquid applicator approximately 90° about a horizontal axis; and, attaching the liquid applicator to the container.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein a flow tube is partially located within the liquid applicator, the method further comprises the step of: removing the flow tube from a receptacle in the cap.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein removing the liquid applicator from the container further comprises the step of: unscrewing the liquid applicator from the container, wherein the liquid applicator is a brush.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein attaching the liquid applicator to the container further comprises the step of: screwing the brush to the container.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein removing the liquid applicator from the container further comprises the step of: unscrewing the liquid applicator from the container, wherein the liquid applicator is a syringe.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein attaching the liquid applicator to the container further comprises the step of: screwing the syringe to the container. 